Washington, DC—TechNet, the bipartisan policy and political network of CEOs that promotes the growth of the innovation economy, issued the following statement on the introduction of Trade Promotion Authority legislation. The following statement is attributable to Dan Turrentine, vice president of government relations.

“TechNet welcomes the introduction of Trade Promotion Authority legislation in both the Senate and the House. While we carefully review the legislation, Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee Max Baucus, Ranking Member Orrin Hatch and Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee David Camp are all to be commended for their leadership in crafting a bipartisan, bicameral bill.

“The United States is actively involved in negotiating the Transpacific Partnership with a dozen trading partners in the Asia-Pacific, the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership with the European Union and the Trade in Services Agreement with nearly 20 countries. TPA would provide the U.S. with increased leverage with trading partners and would help level the playing field for American companies, generating more business abroad and more jobs at home. In addition, with TPA, Congress can give USTR a vital tool in the toolbox to address emerging digital trade issues, and firm direction that will be essential for achieving strong outcomes in future trade agreements.

“This action by Chairman Baucus, Ranking Member Hatch and Chairman Camp is a welcome, important first step. It brings us closer to assuring U.S. leadership in international markets. We look forward to working with Members of Congress and The Obama Administration to ensure that the negotiating objectives in the legislation truly reflect the interests of the U.S. technology sector, including regarding digital trade and intellectual property.”

About TechNet:

TechNet is the national, bipartisan network of CEOs that promotes the growth of technology industries and the economy by building long-term relationships between technology leaders and policymakers and by advocating a targeted policy agenda. TechNet’s members represent more than one million employees in the fields of information technology, biotechnology, e-commerce and finance. TechNet has offices in Washington, D.C., Palo Alto, Sacramento, Seattle, Boston and Austin. Web address: www.technet.org. You can also follow us on Facebook and Twitter at @technetupdate.